How to Make the Perfect Cucumber Gimlet: Fresh, Bright, and Effortlessly Modern

If a cocktail could taste like a breath of fresh air, it would be the Cucumber Gimlet. Cool, crisp, and quietly sophisticated, this drink is a refreshing twist on the classic gimlet — perfect for warm days, dinner parties, or whenever you want something light but still full of character.

It’s clean, green, and beautifully simple to make at home. Exactly the kind of cocktail that feels special without trying too hard.

What You’ll Need

A Cucumber Gimlet shines when the ingredients are fresh and the spirits are clean.

2 oz Gin
London Dry for crispness, or something with cucumber notes if you want it extra fresh.

1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
Bright and acidic — freshly squeezed is key.

¾ oz Simple Syrup
Adjust sweetness to taste.

3–4 Cucumber Slices
Fresh, seedless cucumbers work best.

Ice

Cucumber Ribbon or Lime Wheel for garnish

How to Make It

This is a shake-and-fine-strain cocktail that captures the freshness of cucumber without pulp.

1. Muddle the cucumber.
Place 3–4 slices at the bottom of your shaker and gently muddle to release the flavour (don’t overdo it — you want juice, not mush).

2. Add the remaining ingredients.
Gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and ice.

3. Shake well.
A solid 12–15 second shake ensures everything gets chilled and integrated.

4. Fine strain into a chilled coupe.
A fine mesh strainer removes cucumber bits for a smooth, elegant finish.

5. Garnish.
A cucumber ribbon adds a spa-like vibe, while a lime wheel keeps it classic.

Make It Your Own

This cocktail is wonderfully adaptable. Try these variations:

Basil Cucumber Gimlet: Add 2–3 basil leaves before shaking for an herbal note.

Cucumber Elderflower Gimlet: Add ¼ oz St-Germain for floral sweetness.

Spicy Cucumber Gimlet: Add a thin slice of jalapeño to the muddle for a gentle kick.

Vodka Gimlet: Swap gin for vodka for a cleaner, more neutral profile.

When to Serve It

A Cucumber Gimlet is perfect when you want something refreshing, modern, and lightly aromatic.

Summer gatherings

Garden parties

Bridal showers

Girls’ night

Aperitif before dinner

Spa-inspired brunch menus

It fits any moment where “crisp and refreshing” is the vibe.

A Host’s Tip

Muddle a larger batch of cucumber in advance and strain into a bottle. Add your lime juice and simple syrup, chill it, and shake individual servings with gin as guests arrive. Fresh taste, no fuss.